Tucker: The Teen and Her Dream

Image credit: American Idol: Ray Mickshaw/Wireimage.com

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Who did you go to for advice on song choice and things like that?
You can really talk about anything with the other contestants. Of course, I turned to my mom. I always wanted her opinion. But it's always your decision because you have to get up there and sing it.

Were there two camps — the under-18 kids, being you, Paris, and Kevin, and the rest of the kids, most of whom are in their late 20s?
Not at all. Everyone kind of meshed together. There was always someone there you could turn to for a shoulder if you needed it.

Paris is all alone now in school now that both you and Kevin are gone.
That was so tough, when Kevin went home. Me and Paris were just bawling. And we had school the next day and we both started bawling again.

What was your favorite topic in American Idol high school?
Probably English. I was writing essays and then being thrown into hair and makeup to perform.

What essay did you write this week?
I wrote about the book 1984.

Was American Idol an Orwellian experience?
Yes, definitely.

I'm amazed none of the Idol producers found clips of you from Star Search. How was Star Search compared to Idol?
Totally different. So many people watch American Idol. You can walk down the street and everyone knows what it is. But Star Search helped me prepare for getting criticism.

The mayor of Anaheim, Curt Pringle, went political on your behalf and encouraged his constituents to vote for you. How did that happen?
It's kind of funny. I've been singing for my school and he's been at some of those school-district functions. I've met the mayor before. He's always been a fan. I'm going to ask him if he voted for me.

Who will you be voting for now?
No, I can't do it. I could never choose. I would have to vote for everybody.

Did you give yourself any kind of consolation prize today?
I haven't yet, but that sounds like a great idea. I'm going to talk to my parents about that. I think we're definitely going to have to be making some trips to the mall soon.